Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Amorebieta and the Dnipro midfielder Derek Boateng have both joined Fulham on free transfers. After a difficult campaign brought on by a number of high-profile departures, the London club moved quickly to shore up their squad.

The defender Amorebieta has signed a four-year deal at Craven Cottage after eight seasons in La Liga with Bilbao, while Boateng has joined on a one-year deal with an option for a further season.

Fulham have now signed up three players for next season, having taken up an option to permanently sign Sascha Riether from Cologne after a successful season-long loan spell.

However, Amorebieta's arrival is arguably the most impressive addition so far as they beat off reported interest from Arsenal, Everton and Zenit St Petersburg.

The 28-year-old defender made more than 250 appearances for Bilbao and will be a welcome addition to what has at times been a shaky Fulham defence.

"I'm impressed with the talent already at the club and I look forward to meeting the players for pre-season training in July," he told the club's website.

Relief is the overriding emotion after Boateng completed his protracted move. The Fulham manager Martin Jol has been a long-time admirer of the Ghana international and has attempted to bring him in on several occasions. Boateng's transfer had to be put on ice previously due to contract disputes with his Ukrainian club, but a deal for the 30-year-old has finally completed his move from Dnipro.

"I've been working hard to come here and I'll do my best for the club," Boateng said. "It's been a long road for me but now I'm here I'm so happy and I can't wait to start and give everything I have."